Device having a slot capable of receiving at least four types of memory cards
An apparatus, such as a reader, adapter, or other device, is described that is capable of receiving at least four different types of memory cards using a single slot. The slot includes a central region having a width to receive a memory card of a first type, first outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a second width to receive a memory card selected from a second type of memory card or a third type of memory card, and second outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a third width to receive a memory card of a fourth type. A plurality of electrically conductive contact areas are disposed within the slot. The apparatus may receive, for example, any of a Smart Media flash memory card, Memory Stick flash memory card, Secure Digital flash memory card, or MultiMedia flash memory card.
Latest Imation Corp. Patents:
- Methods for control of digital shredding of media
- Archiving system with partitions of individual archives
- Logical-to-physical address translation for a removable data storage device
- Portable desktop device and method of host computer system hardware recognition and configuration
- Sound pressure level limiting
This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/992,712, entitled “APPARATUS SUPPORTING MULTIPLE MEMORY CARD FORMATS,” filed Nov. 19, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,738,259 the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThe invention relates to removable storage media devices and, in particular, removable memory cards.
BACKGROUNDA wide variety of removable storage media exists for use with voice recorders, digital video camcorders, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular phones, video games, digital televisions, photo printers, and the like. The storage media allows users to capture and store data on such devices, and easily transport the data between these various devices and a computer.
One of the most popular types of removable storage devices is the flash memory card, which is compact, easy to use, and has no moving parts. A flash memory card includes an internal, high-speed solid-state memory capable of persistently storing data even without application of power.
A wide variety of flash memory cards have been recently introduced that have different capacities, access speeds, formats, and interfaces. Example of flash memory cards include CompactFlash™ first introduced by SanDisk™ Corporation, the Memory Stick™ (MS) developed by Sony Corporation, Smart Media™ memory cards, Secure Digital (SD) memory cards, and MultiMedia Cards (MMCs) jointly developed by SanDisk Corporation and Siemens AG/Infineon Technologies AG.
Each of the various types of flash memory devices has unique electrical and mechanical interfaces. Type I CompactFlash memory cards, for example, measure approximately 36 mm×43 mm×3.3 mm. Memory Sticks developed by Sony Corporation have sizes of approximately 21.5 mm×50 mm×2.8 mm and have either four (4) conductive pins or ten (10) conductive pins. Smart Media measures approximately 45.0 mm×37.0 mm×0.76 mm and has 22 conductive pins. SecureDigital flash cards measure 32 mm×24 mm×2.1 mm. MultiMedia Cards measure 32.0 mm×24.0 mm×1.40 mm.
Except for Type II CompactFlash memory cards that conform to the specifications for the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) interface, each type of flash memory device generally requires a specialized adapter or reader for use with a computing device. An adapter includes a specialized interface that conforms to the supported type of flash memory card, and converts the signals received from the card to a standard interface readable by a computer. An adapter may, for example, convert the signals to the PCMCIA interface, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) interface, or a conventional serial or parallel interface. Most conventional adapters support a single type of flash memory cards, causing a user to carry and interchange adapters when using different types of memory cards.
SUMMARYIn general, the invention is directed to an apparatus capable of receiving a number of different types of flash memory cards using a single slot. For example, the apparatus supports the mechanical and electrical interfaces necessary for receiving flash memory cards conforming to a variety of formats including Memory Stick memory cards, Smart Media memory cards, Secure Digital memory cards, and MultiMedia Cards. The apparatus may, for example, comprise an adapter for direct coupling to a computing device or a stand-alone reader for accessing the memory card.
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a housing defining a slot to receive one of at least four different types of removable memory cards. The slot includes a central region having a width to receive a memory card of a first type, first outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a second width to receive a memory card selected from a second type of memory card or a third type of memory card, and second outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a third width to receive a memory card of a fourth type. A plurality of electrically conductive contact areas are disposed within the slot to provide electrical contact with the four different types of memory cards.
In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a plurality of electrically conductive contact areas disposed within a cavity to provide electrical contact with at least four different types of removable memory cards. The cavity includes a central region having a width to receive a Memory Stick removable memory card, first outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a second width to receive a MultiMedia removable memory card or a Secure Digital removable memory card, and second outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a third width to receive a Smart Media removable memory card.
In another embodiment, a system comprises an adapter having a slot to receive one of at least four different types of removable memory cards, wherein the slot includes a central region having a width to receive a memory card of a first type, first outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a second width to receive a memory card selected from a second type of memory card or a third type of memory card, and second outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a third width to receive a memory card of a fourth type. The system further comprises a computing device having a port to receive the adapter.
The invention may be capable of providing one or more advantages. A user may, for example, interchange different types of memory cards without having to use multiple adapters. Consequently, a user may capture and store data on memory cards of a number of different formats using a number of different digital devices, and then transfer the data to a computing device using a single adapter. The user need not purchase and carry a number of different adapters for each digital device owned by the user, such as a digital camera, a digital voice recorder, a personal digital assistant, and the like.
The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Adapter 10 can be mechanically and electrically coupled to port 7 of computing device 4. Port 7 may be, for example, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) connector. Alternatively, port 7 may be a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, a connector conforming to IEEE 1394, a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) connector, or any conventional serial or parallel connector. In one embodiment, the dimensions of adapter 10 conform to the specification for a Type II Compact Flash. Consequently, adapter 10 can be used with any interface configured to receive a Compact Flash memory card.
Adapter 10 may include electronic circuitry 11 to convert electrical signals received from flash memory cards 8 to the appropriate format and voltages required by port 7. Alternatively, adapter 10 may be a passive adapter that routes electrical signals received from flash memory cards 8 to the appropriate pins within port 7.
Specifically, slot 13 includes a central region 22 and outer regions 24A and 24B that extend the width of slot 13. Outer regions 24 have a narrower slot height than central region 22. As described in detail below, slot 13 can accommodate any one of Smart Media memory card 8A, Memory Stick flash memory card 8B, Secure Digital memory card 8C, and MultiMedia flash memory card 8D. These formats of flash memory cards 8 are described for exemplary purposes, and the principles of the invention are not limited to these types of memory cards. Interface 11 provides an electrical interface for electrically coupling adapter 10 to port 7 of computing device 4.
Each contact area 26 is tailored to electrically interface with one or more memory cards 8. For example, Smart Media (SM) contact area 26A has 22 conductive pins (not shown) for interacting with a Smart Media flash memory card 8A. Similarly, Memory Stick (MS) contact area 26B has 4 pins (not shown) for interacting with a Memory Stick flash memory card 8B. Contact area 26C is used to interact with a Secure Digital memory card (SD) 8C or a MultiMedia flash memory card (MMC) 8D. Contacts 26 may be coupled to conductive paths that extend through housing 18 of adapter 10 to engage interface 11. Adapter 10 includes a tapered insertion stop 27 that limits the insertion depth of a MultiMedia flash memory card 8B and a Secure Digital memory card 8C. Insertion stop 27 defines a recess 29 with a wall that engages the tapered outer surface of the memory card 8C or 8D upon insertion.
Adapter 10 may include a second bias mechanism 30 located within slot 13 to exert a downward force to insure proper electrical contact between an inserted memory card 8 and contact areas 26. In addition, the contact pads associated with contact areas 26 may, themselves, be spring-biased toward the interior of adapter housing 18. In particular, the bias mechanism 30 expands to reduce the height of slot 13 to accommodate MultiMedia card 8D that has a height of 1.4 mm. Upon insertion of a Secure Digital memory card 8C, bias mechanism 30 is biased upward to the appropriate height of 2.1 mm. Finally, upon insertion of a Memory Stick 8B that has a height of 2.8 mm, or Smart Media flash memory card 8A that has a height of 0.76 mm, bias mechanism 30 is biased upward completely. Bias mechanism 30 may be, for example, a spring-loaded lever, a spring-loaded pin, or the like.
Due to a width of 24 mm, Secure Digital flash memory card 8C fits tightly within central region 22 of slot 13. Although memory card 8C has a height of less than 2.8 mm, bias mechanism 30 restrains Secure Digital flash memory card 8C from vertical movement, and insures proper contact with contact area 26C. Although not illustrated, MultiMedia card 8B uses the same portion of slot 13 and the same contact area 26C as Secure Digital flash memory card 8C. As with Secure Digital flash memory card 8C, bias mechanism 30 limits the vertical movement of MultiMedia card 8B within slot 13.
Reader 34 may include electronic circuitry for translating electrical signals received from memory cards 8 to the proper format and voltage according to the interface provided by port 7. Computing device 4 may be any type of computing device including the laptop computer, a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.
Slot 113 also includes first outer regions 124A and 124B that define heights and widths to receive Secure Digital memory card 8C and MultiMedia memory card 8D. For example, the first outer regions 124A and 124B define the region of slot 113 that has a height of approximately 1.4 mm and a width of approximately 24 mm, specifically for receiving MultiMedia card 8D. Specifically, the height for receiving Secure Digital memory card 8C and MultiMedia card 8D is defined by the height of first outer regions 124A and 124B. Similarly, the width is defined by the extension of the first outer regions 124A and 124B to the central region 122. Upon insertion, Secure Digital memory card 8C and MultiMedia card 8D travels into slot 113 (right to left on
Slot 113 further includes second outer regions 128A and 128B that define heights and widths to receive Smart Media memory card 8A. Specifically the height for receiving Smart Media memory card 8A is defined by the second outer regions 128A and 128B, and the width is defined by the extension of the second outer regions 128A and 128B to the central region 122 and the first outer regions 124A and 124B. Thus, the second outer regions 128A and 128B define a height of approximately 0.76 mm and a width of approximately 37 mm. Upon insertion, Smart Media memory card 8A travels into slot 113 (right to left on
The cavity formed within the housing may include insertion stops to ensure that various memory cards can travel into slot 113 only until the respective card is aligned with the corresponding contact area, thus facilitating electrical engagement between a given memory card and the corresponding contact area. Additionally or alternatively, the cavity defined by slot 113 can be formed such that insertion of each respective memory card is inhibited at a defined point so as to align the card with the corresponding contact area, and result in electrical engagement between the card and the corresponding contact area. Each contact area may protrude from the cavity formed by slot 113 to better facilitate electrical contact with the corresponding memory card. In some embodiments, one or more of the contact areas exert a biasing force against the memory cards. Additional biasing mechanisms could also be added, although they may not be necessary in the embodiment illustrated in
Various embodiments of the invention have been described. For example, an apparatus has been described that is capable of receiving a number of different types of memory cards using a single slot. For example, the apparatus supports the mechanical and electrical interfaces necessary for receiving a memory card of a variety of formats including Memory Stick memory cards, Smart Media memory cards, Secure Digital memory cards, and MultiMedia Cards. In this manner, a user may interchange different types of memory cards without having to use multiple adapters. Consequently, a user may capture and store data on memory cards of a number of different formats using a number of different digital devices, and then transfer the data to a computing device using a single adapter. The apparatus may be embodied in a variety of devices including a passive flash memory card adapter, or an intelligent flash memory card reader. Nevertheless, it is understood that various modification can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the apparatus could be modified to accommodate alternative or additional memory card sizes. These and other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising:
- a housing defining a slot to receive one of at least four different types of removable memory cards, wherein the slot includes: a central region having a width to receive a memory card of a first type, first outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a second width to receive a memory card selected from a second type of memory card and a third type of memory card, and second outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a third width to receive a memory card of a fourth type; and
- a plurality of electrically conductive contact areas to provide electrical contact with the four different types of memory cards.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of each of the contact areas is disposed within the central region of the slot.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a bias mechanism coupled to the housing to bias a memory card toward the contact areas.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bias mechanism coupled to the housing within the central region of the slot to bias memory cards toward a first side of the central region of the slot.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the bias mechanism biases a memory card to move the memory card a distance of at least approximately 3.5 mm from a second side of the central region of the slot.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insertion stop within the central region of the slot to limit an insertion depth of a memory card of a predetermined width or greater.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing has dimensions substantially conforming to a size specification of a CompactFlash removable memory card.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central region of the slot has a height of approximately 2.8 mm and a width of at least approximately 24 mm.
9. The apparatus of claim 1,
- wherein the width of the central region is at least approximately 21.5 mm,
- wherein the first outer regions extend the width of the central region to at least approximately 24 mm, and
- wherein the second outer regions extend the width of the central region to at least approximately 37 mm.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrically conductive interface for coupling to a memory card reader.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrically conductive interface for coupling the apparatus to a connector for one of a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a serial interface, a parallel interface, and a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) interface.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising circuitry for converting signals received from the contact areas.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the circuitry converts the signals to conform to one of a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a serial interface, a parallel interface, and a small computer system interface (SCSI) interface.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of contact areas comprises:
- a first contact area for electrically coupling to a Smart Media memory card;
- a second contact area for electrically coupling to a Memory Stick memory card; and
- a third contact area for electrically coupling to a Secure Digital memory card or a MultiMedia memory card.
15. The apparatus of claim 1,
- wherein the housing defines the width of the central region to receive a Memory Stick removable memory card,
- wherein the first outer regions extend the width of the central region to receive at least one of a MultiMedia removable memory card and a Secure Digital removable memory card, and
- wherein the second outer regions extend the width of the central region to receive a Smart Media removable memory card.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises an adapter or a memory card reader.
17. An apparatus comprising:
- a plurality of electrically conductive contact areas disposed within a cavity to provide electrical contact with at least four different types of removable memory cards,
- wherein the cavity includes: a central region having a width to receive a Memory Stick removable memory card, first outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a second width to receive a MultiMedia removable memory card or a Secure Digital removable memory card, and second outer regions that extend the width of the central region to a third width to receive a Smart Media removable memory card.
18. A system comprising:
- an adapter having a slot to receive one of at least four different types of removable memory cards, wherein the slot includes a central region having a width to receive a memory card of a first type, first outer regions that increase the width of the central region to a second width to receive a memory card selected from a second type of memory card or a third type of memory card, and second outer regions that increase the width of the central region to a third width to receive a memory card of a fourth type; and
- a computing device having a port to receive the adapter.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the port of the computing device comprises one of a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a serial interface, a parallel interface, and a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) interface.
20. An apparatus comprising:
- a housing defining a slot with a plurality of differently sized regions to receive at least four different types of memory cards, wherein the plurality of differently sized regions of the slot includes: a first region having a first width to receive a memory card of a first type, a second region having a second width greater than the first width, the second width being sized to receive a memory card selected from a second type of memory card and a third type of memory card, and a third region having a third width greater than the first width and greater than the second width, the third width being sized to receive a memory card of a fourth type; and
- a plurality of electrically conductive contact areas to provide electrical contact with the four different types of memory cards.
5155663 | October 13, 1992 | Harase |
5901049 | May 4, 1999 | Schmidt et al. |
6010066 | January 4, 2000 | Itou et al. |
6097605 | August 1, 2000 | Klatt et al. |
6132223 | October 17, 2000 | Seeley et al. |
6250965 | June 26, 2001 | Neifer |
6402529 | June 11, 2002 | Saito et al. |
6612492 | September 2, 2003 | Yen |
6684283 | January 27, 2004 | Harris et al. |
6751694 | June 15, 2004 | Liu et al. |
Type: Grant
Filed: Apr 1, 2004
Date of Patent: Jul 11, 2006
Patent Publication Number: 20040184246
Assignee: Imation Corp. (Oakdale, MN)
Inventors: Trung V. Le (White Bear Township, MN), Robert W. Tapani (Oakdale, MN)
Primary Examiner: Kamand Cuneo
Assistant Examiner: Hung S. Bui
Attorney: Eric D. Levinson
Application Number: 10/815,367
International Classification: H05K 1/14 (20060101);